So I completed my first 10K this morning. Yup, the girl who couldn’t even run two miles a few years ago, cried in the middle of a 5K once and has never ran more than five miles ran an entire 6.2 miles today! The best part? I couldn’t have felt more alive, energized and motivated during the race, and feel absolutely amazing now! (Well…my legs could use some hardcore hot tub time, but other than that life is good) Oh and I beat my goal time of 60 minutes…59:34 baby! Anyway, I know first-time races can be a little scary, intimidating and a heck of a lot of work, so I put together a little list of inspirations to get you through your next race. Whether it’s your first 5K, your first 10K or your very first run EVER, these little mental motivations got me through the race today and hopefully work for you too:
1. “I’m going to pace myself and go at a rate I feel comfortable with and know that I can maintain. If I get tired, I will slow down. If I feel good, I will speed up.”
2. “It’s just me and the road. Everyone else doesn’t matter right now. This is my race.”
3. “Just focus on one step at a time, one mile at a time and the finish line will be there before you know it.”
4. “I am strong, I am healthy, I can do this!”
5. “There will be people who finish way ahead of me, and people who finish way behind me. And that’s OK!”
6. “Everyone is out here for a good cause, and each and every person here is amazing. Support each other. It’s not JUST about the time and it’s NOT a competition.”
7. “Just get through the race. Crossing the finish line is going to feel amazing, especially listening to all the people cheer me on. Then I can chug water and eat a big breakfast (Mmm)!”
8. “Remember to breathe. In through your nose…out through your mouth…in through your nose…out through your mouth.”
9. “Enjoy the scenery while you’re at it. This isn’t something you see every day and it makes the race go by a heck of a lot faster.”
10. “If I can do this, I can do anything. Next time, I will push myself even farther and continue to challenge myself.”
Congratulations!!!
Thank you! It was very motivating!
That was an amazing time! Congratulations and thanks for the race mantras. I need to bookmark this page to read for my next race.
Thanks Maria. And yes, little inspirations like these are really what carries you through a big race!
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